We engaged the services of a long-time San Miguel resident to assist us in evaluating rental properties in the area before our move. She kindly offered to arrange internet service for us in advance, but the experience did not unfold as smoothly as anticipated.

Upon arrival, our designated assistant contacted us to discuss our initial needs. Having paid her upfront while still in the USA, with a credit for 6 hours of her time, I expressed our urgency for internet access. Surprisingly, she informed us that internet activation could only be addressed after our move-in day, despite intentionally arriving two days early to organize essential matters.

Our move-in day arrived on a Friday, followed by a weekend during which we were informed that no services were available. Patiently waiting until Monday, we contacted our assistant again, who then directed us to her English-speaking local assistant. The assistant’s service came with a fee of $50 or 1,000 pesos. (Rate reflects time of our arrival to Mexico.)

It took an additional two days for the technician and the assistant’s assistant to arrive. During the cable installation, we learned that the technician had been robbed the previous night while working in our casita. Feeling a sense of responsibility for his loss, we compensated him with 2,000 pesos.

In total, the cost of making our cable/TV/computers/phones operational amounted to $435, not including additional expenses such as taxis and miscellaneous items. A month later, we paid our internet bill, which included 649 pesos for plan usage and an additional 1,000 pesos for installation.

To summarize the financial aspect, we spent approximately $435 on the initial setup and later incurred additional costs. The total expenses for internet services amounted to 8,700 pesos, equivalent to $435. While this may not seem exorbitant to those from the West, it highlights the unexpected challenges and costs associated with setting up internet services in San Miguel de Allende.

This experience serves as a valuable lesson for those considering relocating to areas without established internet infrastructure. It is advisable to be prepared for potential challenges, both in terms of time and money. Despite the hurdles, our assistant’s assistant proved responsive to our inquiries, offering assistance in evaluating rental spaces remotely over Zoom or Facetime, a service born out of the unique challenges posed by San Miguel de Allende’s lack of zoning regulations. Though not a primary real estate service, this offering provides valuable insights not readily disclosed by traditional realtors